Relay surpasses last year's mark

The 2014 Relay For Life of Huntersville/Cornelius celebrated raising more than $80,000 at Fox and Hound on June 9. (Courtesy of Rondlyn Hawthorne)

2015 Relay scheduled for May 1

CORNELIUS – Organizers for this year’s Relay For Life Huntersville/Cornelius had a goal to beat last year’s earnings and have surpassed it by more than $30,000.

Even though the event was more than a month ago, money is still coming in with the most recent total of $81,500 and counting. Donations are accepted through August.

Each of the fundraising teams, as well organizers, was recognized during a celebration June 9 at Fox and Hound.

“As we look back over this past year, we look forward to growing Relay For Life, surpassing this year's fundraising total and having Relay For Life become a signature event for the Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson area,” said Relay committee member Rondlyn Hawthorne. “We are grateful to all of our friends, families, businesses and the mayor and town commissioners of Cornelius who supported us though our entire event.”

This year’s Relay, chaired by Colin Furcht and Marilyn Celenza, had nearly 40 teams participating. The community event entails participants spending 12 hours walking a track overnight and organizing fundraisers throughout the year and the night of the event. It’s also a way to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have died from the disease while offering hope for a cure.

Already, the group is starting to plan next year’s Relay For Life event, which will take place May 1, 2015.

“To help grow the Relay For Life event in our area, we are focusing on creating awareness of what Relay is about and the importance of community involvement,” Hawthorne said. “The word cancer has affected each one of us either directly or indirectly, and we can all help to make a difference in some small way.”

Money raised will benefit the American Cancer Society, going toward cancer research and patient support programs, including providing transportation to appointments and teaching beauty techniques to improve self image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The nonprofit also offers a program to match breast cancer survivors with new patients to offer help and understanding.